Yogyakarta, June/10/2025 – The UGM Senate Hall was filled with a sense of anticipation as members of the academic community gathered to witness the inauguration of Prof. Dr. Atik Triratnawati, M.A., a prominent figure in the field of Health Anthropology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The event, held from 09:00 to 10:00 WIB, featured an inspiring inaugural speech titled “Masuk Angin as a Cultural Phenomenon.”
In her address, Prof. Atik emphasized that three cultural dimensions—systems of ideas, cultural behavior, and cultural artifacts (Spradley, 1972)—can be used to understand the concept of masuk angin. She explained that masuk angin as a system of ideas reflects cultural conceptions of health, illness, and traditional healing philosophies.
As cultural behavior, masuk angin is evident in how the Javanese people choose various healing methods. Prof. Atik highlighted traditional practices such as using ancient coins for kerokan (a traditional scraping therapy), along with balms, oils, and spices—whether in drink form or packaged in sachets—as important components of the healing process (Triratnawati, 2012).
She also pointed out that the term masuk angin has evolved beyond its original health-related context and is now used metaphorically in political and economic discourse. This shift illustrates the dynamic nature of cultural expressions and their relevance in multiple aspects of daily life.
Prof. Atik’s research aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting access to affordable medicine and achieving health equity. She stressed that understanding cultural practices surrounding health is key to developing effective and inclusive healthcare strategies.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including academics, students, and health practitioners, all eager to engage with Prof. Atik’s insights. The atmosphere reflected deep academic interest and enthusiasm, as attendees acknowledged the importance of integrating cultural perspectives into health discourse.
In her closing remarks, Prof. Atik encouraged the audience to appreciate the richness of cultural knowledge and its impact on health and well-being. She called for collective efforts to promote affordable healthcare and to consider cultural contexts when addressing health issues.
The inauguration of Prof. Dr. Atik Triratnawati, M.A. marked a significant milestone in her academic journey and underscored the vital role of anthropology in understanding health practices. Her work serves as a strong reminder of the need for cultural sensitivity in healthcare to help achieve the SDGs.
As the event concluded, participants left with renewed inspiration, motivated by Prof. Atik’s dedication to bridging the worlds of culture and health. The UGM academic community looks forward to her continued contributions to the advancement of Health Anthropology and inclusive healthcare solutions.
[Humas FIB, Alma Syahwalani]
